Sharks are predatory fish that play a role in maintaining the ecosystem in the vast ocean. The presence of sharks indicates that the environment around their range is in good condition. These charismatic animals control the population of marine animals in the food chain. Sharks prey on carnivorous fishes, ensuring an abundance of small fishes for human consumption.

If the population of the top of the food chain decreases, the quality of the surrounding marine ecosystem will decline. Massive shark fishing leads to an increase in carnivorous fish, while the number of small fish decreases dramatically. Losing sharks in an area of water also results in an explosion of algae populations that are commonly eaten by small fish. The algae will interfere with the health of the coral. When corals are damaged, both large and small fish are endangered. Ultimately, large declines in shark populations will negatively impact national food security.

Ironically, the threat to shark survival comes from humans. Some people profit from the practice of trading shark fins for high prices. The high price of shark fins is triggered by demand from the general public to hotel and restaurant entrepreneurs. The shark's body part is needed as a basic ingredient for making soup for banquets at certain moments.

Based on data, in 2014-2016, the amount of shark fin consumption in Jakarta alone could reach 12,622 kilograms per year. "Meanwhile, in 2016, Indonesia ranked first as a shark fin exporting country. As much as 16.8 percent of the total shark catch in the world comes from Indonesia," said Vinni Nurizky, Shark Campaigner WWF-Indonesia at the Conservation Discussion entitled "I Love (hi)U" in Jakarta, February 22, 2019.

In fact, shark consumption can be dangerous for humans. A study has proven the presence of mercury in shark fins that can be deposited in human kidneys. "In 2017, WWF Indonesia has invited the food service and hospitality industry in Indonesia to stop using sharks, be it fins, meat, or eggs, as basic food ingredients," Vinny added.

After all, the consumption of shark fins is not associated with any tradition. Aji Bromokusuma, Secretary-General of the Peranakan Chinese Association, explains that shark fins were indeed a hard-to-get dish that became a prestige for kings in the past. Today's people have caught on to the custom, assuming that the consumption of shark represents the element of prosperity. "Chinese New Year is actually a celebration of gratitude and hope that the universe is still blessing humanity for another year," he explains.

Despite all the evidence and reasons that shark consumption is not recommended, hunting still continues. This raised questions in the minds of DisKo participants. "If there is already a regulation stating that sharks are protected, why is there still demand (for shark fins for soup ingredients)?" asked Denis, one of the Disco participants.

The question was answered with a long explanation from Aji. He said that shark fins contain collagen, which is believed to be beneficial for health. Some of the properties of shark fins include improving skin health, sexual arousal, increasing energy, preventing heart disease, and lowering cholesterol. "Shark fins are considered to be rich in collagen, even though there is collagen in chicken feet and cingur too. So, I think (consumption of shark fins for health purposes) is just a myth," Aji replied.

So, there is no reason to hunt and consume sharks. Show your love for sharks by letting these charismatic creatures swim freely in the ocean and fulfill their role as guardians of the ecosystem.